Suspect's plea offer refused in death of 3-year-old

Citing her confidence in the state’s case, the Windham County state’s attorney on Friday declined to entertain a plea offer by the lawyer representing a Willimantic man accused of killing his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter in 2011.

Citing her confidence in the state’s case, the Windham County state’s attorney on Friday declined to entertain a plea offer by the lawyer representing a Willimantic man accused of killing his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter in 2011.

State’s Attorney Patricia Froehlich said she considered the “strengths and weaknesses” of the state’s case against Fredy Chingo-Riz, 25, before making the decision not to accept an undisclosed offer by attorney Matthew Davis that could have resolved the case short of a trial.

“I’m confident in the case and am not willing to change my offer,” she said.

The state’s offer, made in October, has not been made public.

During Friday’s discussions, Chingo-Riz stood quietly in handcuffs while a Spanish interpreter translated the proceedings to him.

Chingo-Riz faces manslaughter and assault charges in connection with the beating death of Athena Angeles, who died on Nov. 23, 2011. Athena’s mother, Rosa Diaz, faces similar charges in her daughter’s death.

On the night of her death, police said, Chingo-Riz punched Athena for refusing to eat. Police reports show she suffered abuse in the months leading up to her death.

Athena was pronounced dead at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center after she was admitted to Windham Hospital unresponsive earlier in the evening. An autopsy revealed the child died of “blunt traumatic chest and abdominal injuries.”

Numerous bruises also were found on her body, including on her torso, face and the tops of her ears. The child also had rib fractures and sustained internal bleeding and injuries to her liver and kidneys, according to police.

Chingo-Riz was arrested a day after the child died and admitted punching the girl on multiple occasions when he lost his patience, police said. Diaz was arrested in June. Prosecutors said they are attempting to resolve Chingo-Riz’s case before making an offer to Diaz.

Chingo-Riz remains held on $1.5 million bond and is due back in court on May 28. Diaz is held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear next in Danielson Superior Court on May 17. Both suspects are in the country illegally, police said.